What to know
Located near the Fuji Five Lakes, the Maglev Exhibition Center (リニア見学センター, Linear Kengaku Center) opened in 2011 along the test track for next-generation magnetic levitation (maglev) trains capable of speeds over 500 km/h. This technology will power the Chuo Shinkansen, a new rail line expected to start service between Tokyo and Nagoya in the 2030s, eventually extending to Osaka. The center is a museum where visitors can explore the science and history of maglev trains. You can see and touch actual trains and components, including the vehicle that set the world speed record of 603 km/h, and try hands-on experiments with maglev technology. A miniature maglev train is also available for rides.
On most weekdays and Saturdays, you can watch test runs along the track from the center. Operation dates for each week are usually posted on the official website by the previous Friday evening, but specific times are only announced at the facility.
Occasionally, you can ride the trains during test runs, but reservations are required and must be made two to three months in advance. More information is available on the JR Central website (Japanese only). Part of the test track visible from the exhibition center. To get there, take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (60 minutes, 2430 yen one way by limited express, or 80-90 minutes, 1410 yen by slower trains with a transfer). At Otsuki, take a bus bound for the Linear Exhibition Center (15 minutes, 380 yen one way, every 1-2 hours). The Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are valid on trains but not on the bus.
Alternatively, at Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchiko and get off at Tanokura (5 minutes, 230 yen, 1-2 trains/hour), then walk 20-30 minutes to the center. The Tokyo Wide Pass is valid on Fujikyu trains, but the Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not.
A taxi from Otsuki Station to the center costs 2500-3000 yen one way.
How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Closed
- Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday); days following national holidays (except Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays); December 29 to January 3
- Admission
- 420 yen (~$2.69)
- English name
- Maglev Exhibition Center
- Original name
- Maglev Exhibition Center
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.